Review: Action Comics #999

I have to say that right from the get go that the title of this story is slightly different from the bombastic “The Fury of General Lane” tag we get on the cover. Comics used this tactic in the 80’s and 90’s now in the 21st century I just like as little advertising on the covers to allow for the art and story content to speak for itself. Speaking of the cover, it’s a striking one, but nothing that really pops out and screams to me “you must have this book”. Surprisingly so, as cover artist Brett Booth is one of the talents that carried a lot titles in the 1990’s most notably Heroes Reborn and Fantastic Four for Marvel Comics. Now again, I’m not bagging on the cover it just doesn’t do it for me.

However, turn the page to the story inside and it resounds with me a bit better. Artist WillConrad does a really good job of giving us a good Jon and Lois to start off. The large coke bottle glasses on young Jon is a nice touch and gives him an even more normal appearance. The only issue I had with the art and my apologies as I haven’t picked up this title and quite a bit (but I’m a sucker for big annual issues and this was the last one before it sooo) is the appearance of General Lane. I had to look a few times as I thought he was the recently resurrected Jor-El but with a regenerated eye. I’m not sure if this is artistic choice but he sure does look damn youthful. Then again pretty much everyone in the New 52 and Rebirth era do.

As for the story, it would appear that Sam Lane is visiting his daughter Lois and his grandson Jon. Right from the beginning you can sense the tension as the General is particularly critical of his daughters success and how it sometimes comes about at the sacrifice of national security. I really liked this exchange here as it shows real people, family no less at odds with social and political opinions. This is something we can all relate to in this day and age. Characterizations like this flesh out these people more as too many times we have gotten the overused super overprotective father to Lois who wants to keep her safe and bla bla bla. I’m please writer Dan Jurgens did not go that route here. However Lois’s tenacity is not the only gripe he has. They then begin to discuss the big elephant in the room: Superman.

This is where the issue gets interesting because it raises a lot of moral questions with Superman. In a nut shell, Lois of course sternly defends her Super husband as he stands for truth, justice and all that other stuff. While Sam takes a different approach and is aware of Big Blue’s accolades but he worries about a time where Superman may not be so benevolent. Given all the times this has occurred in the DC Universe before, you can’t really blame the guy. He tells Lois it is his mission to defend Earth from the threats that haven’t even been created yet. A very Lex Luthor and Tony Stark approach I must say.

Not only are Sam and Lois going back and forth, but Jon finds himself right in the thick of it and of course is very pro Superman. Why wouldn’t he though? He’s only the super powered offspring of Superman and Lois. It was enjoyable to see him defend his father. Well as much as he possibly could without blowing the family secret.

The rest of the issue is comprised of Superman removing an asteroid and undoing something his father did along time ago. It was nice to see Superman have moral conflictions with Jor-El’s choices and this is why we love him for the hero he is. In reversing Jor-El’s decision, he brings back a character that I was quite shocked to see him receive the mercy treatment. Again this is just an example of the exemplary handle that writer Dan Jurgens has on Superman. I’ve always been on board with his characterization since the 90’s. The decision he makes is one that at first I was starkly against but then as it played out I could see the reasoning. This is one of those things I like in comics. When done right, it makes you question things. I enjoy that when, it is not just a book with pictures and POW and BADOOM everywhere. It adds a nice layer. Aside from the decision he makes as Supes, Clark also gets some shine time here, as the Kent/Lane family reunion takes place and it is handled in a very Superman esque way.

Now unless you cant count, or have been living in the Phantom Zone, you know that the next issue is the granddaddy of them all: Action Comics #1000. Never before has a comic been followed with so many zeroes. Perhaps never again. I know Detective Comics is close, but with all the trend of renumbering and publishing new number ones, I’m looking at this like the one and only. To say I am excited for that book is an understatement. Now with that being said, because the next book is the be all end all, I couldn’t help being underwhelmed here. It wasn’t filler by any means and was a good little story but it did nothing to amp my excitement for next issue. I guess they can’t all be super.

Now if you excuse me, I’m going to put my Blu-ray copy of Superman: The Movie on in preparation for the big 1000. Also I will be humming the John Williams score until then.

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